WWE Extreme Rules 2012 Results: A Match-by-Match Breakdown

It's time to go EXTREME!

What used to be known as "WrestleMania Backlash" has now evolved into something way more dangerous—Extreme Rules.

With so many titles on the line tonight, who survived the night? Who went "Extreme" enough to secure him/herself the victory?

Here are the results of this exciting night, and don't forget there was a pre-show on YouTube at 7:30 p.m. ET...don't worry, I covered that—now turn the page!

PRE-SHOW: Santino's Circus Continues

The pre-show was broadcast on YouTube and featured a United States championship match between Santino Marella and last year's Extreme Rules main eventer, The Miz, who had a chance to three-peat.

I had the Awesome One penciled in as the winner honestly because of great things I see happening to him over the course of the year. One plan was for him to hold that belt and capture the Intercontinental championship on the way but it is not to be.

The Miz fell prey to "The Cobra" very quickly and this match was over almost as soon as it started.

The United States Champion, Santino Marella, is so loved by the people. It is a good thing for the WWE to capitalize on that. Even I, a well-known villain sympathizer, am an avid fan of his. He is hilarious and even if my favorite Superstar (Miz) lost, I am still happy the Italian mama's boy won.

Winner of the match and still U.S Champion: Santino Marella via pinfall

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE: RKO contains the dark side

The war between Kane and Randy Orton has gotten very personal, dads got involved and paid the price.

Paul Bearer and "Cowboy" Bob have been decimated and left to die, so to speak while their prodigal sons took this to another level. I am glad the Big Red Monster won the first match at WrestleMania because he definitely needed it. That feud with John Cena proved to be absolutely useless.

Winning on the grandest stage of them all has a price though, Kane was defeated by The Viper tonight and it was through a vicious RKO on top of a chair that sealed his fate. 

This match wasn't very long but could have gone either way since anything can happen with a Falls Count Anywhere stipulation. It was Orton's quick thinking that made sure the end came for Kane.

Now what does the future hold for both of them? Will the brother of destruction ever manage to turn someone to the dark side?

It is a blank canvas for the Legend Killer however as he comes out of this looking strong. Could he come gunning for one of the World championships soon?

Tomorrow night on Raw, many questions will be answered.

Winner of the match: Randy Orton by pinfall 

BONUS MATCH: Brodus Clay Squashes the Show Off

What else is new with Brodus Clay? Still in limbo if you ask me. 

He has not been in any meaningful program since he arrived on the scene and instead, squashed his way to many victories. At WrestleMania, his presence was hardly required and tonight was just the same.

Dolph Ziggler is a multi-time champion with immense potential, seeing him being fed to this big man does nothing to promote the future or elevate anyone for that matter.

If only it could have been a long, tiresome match in order to discover new things about Clay...sigh!

Winner of the match: The Funkasaurus via pinfall.

TABLES MATCH: Cody Reclaims What Is His

The Big Show was outsmarted tonight and lost the Intercontinental championship back to Cody Rhodes in a Tables match.

There had to be a smart way to do this as the pretty boy could never have lifted his opponent and put him through a table. The big man never saw it coming as Rhodes kicked him off the ledge and his larger than life boot was too heavy to be supported.

Technical or not, it was all Cody Rhodes needed to regain his title. A title he should not have lost in the first place.

Big Show can now retire seeing that he is a Grand Slam Champion and accomplished everything possible in his illustrious career. Goldust should now step in and have that awesome match every real fan expected at Mania, versus his younger, more arrogant sibling.

Winner of the match and new Intercontinental Champion: Cody Rhodes through stipulation

2 out-of-3 FALLS MATCH: The Luck of the Irish Sticks

The Chicago crowd is tough on good guys isn't it? There were a lot of boos when World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus came out. Not because he is a villain but mostly because it is a Daniel Bryan city.

It is understandable.

Allowing many falls to occur in this match prevented a record 18 seconds win like at WrestleMania but for the American Dragon, things didn't look so great in the beginning as the champion scored the first fall. 

At 9:20 p.m. ET, it was one a piece as Daniel Bryan rendered the Great White Sheamus unconscious. That's when the fun really began. The adrenaline was flowing and the fans were involved in a "YES!" vs. "NO!" war—it was amazing.

Daniel Bryan managed to keep his opponent down for a while afterwards but mistake after mistake enabled the Celtic Warrior to land a perfect Brogue Kick, securing him the third and final three-count for the victory.

Who will be the next Superstar to challenge for the World Heavyweight championship? Daniel Bryan must be green with envy right now.

Winner and still World Heavyweight Champion: Sheamus with two falls

BONUS MATCH: Ryback Annihilate Two Minuscules

Did I hear right? GOLDBERG, GOLDBERG, GOLDBERG? No thanks! Keep that one away from WWE FOR LIFE!

Ryback, aka Skip Sheffield, is back and bigger than ever. He has destroyed two little nuisances claiming two is better than one. Well gentlemen, the mastodon is equal to four guys compared to you so the odds were never, ever in your favor.

Three to five minutes later, the match was over. The newest addition to the WWE roster added another win to his record, not that it was much of a challenge.

Unlike Lord Tensai and Brodus Clay, I can see Ryback going places but only in time and it should be done carefully. 

Let see what this one is capable of shall we?

Winner by obvious annihilation: Ryback

CHICAGO STREET FIGHT: CM Punk Is Still the Best

Chicago was hot hot hot for CM Punk BUT...I want Chris Jericho's jacket asap!

***A side note: The WWE Champion is still carrying that hideous "Spinner" belt...what do I have to do to destroy it?

Chris Jericho is a master of mind games but trying to attack Punk's sister was hardly smart as it set the champ on fire. Things could only get uglier and in a street fight, there are no rules. Uh-oh!

I have enjoyed this program between them since its inception and I hope it continues a little longer. Over The Limit is a small pay per view event which could easily feature another great match courtesy of these two spectacular Superstars.

They really are the best in the world. This match was great and the fans made it all that much better with their incredible energy. What can be said about places like Chicago other than WWE needs to stick to places like that in the future.

One legendary Macho Man elbow from the top through a table...Absolutely magnificent! Worthy of a WWE Champion.

Extinguishers, Kendo sticks and one Go To Sleeps later, the best in the world whether at what he does or simply wrestling is still CM Punk. He put out Jericho's fire once more.

What a match, now that is extreme!

Winner and still WWE Champion: CM Punk by pinfall.

DIVAS ARE SIMPLY FLAWLESS: Layla Returns and Captures a Butterfly!

Beth Phoenix was not medically cleared to face Nikki Bella for the Divas championship and a surprise challenger was chosen instead.

At first, I was really expecting Kharma to return and put those horrible twins in their place but Eve Torres ruined that when she opened her mouth. The only other possible choice was a returning Layla, who was rumored to make a comeback three weeks ago.

*** A side note: She is so beautiful...wow!

I didn't expect her to win the title so quickly but I am pleased and this means one thing: The Bella Twins are leaving WWE. Can my dreams come true and Kharma be the one to send them packing tomorrow on Raw?

Please, please, please!!!

No matter what happens, it is only a matter of time before the Glamazon heals up and comes knocking on the champion's door. Whomever it is is of no consequence, she will destroy her way back to the top.

Layla has her work cut out for her now. She has a Phoenix and bad Kharma standing in her way.

Winner and new Divas Champion: Layla by pinfall. 

EXTREME RULES MATCH: John Cena Overcomes the Beast

The odds looked impossible  but he did it. John Cena defeated Brock Lesnar after a devastating "Attitude Adjustment" on a set of metal steps.

One word: ouch!

This victory was not without its share of blood however as both participants were cut open by the shear destructive power of the Extreme Rules stipulation added to this match. It could been seen as good news for all those fans craving a more edgy program.

What amazed me the most is how this company managed to turn the most hating people into Cena fans even for just one night. In bringing in Lesnar as an evil being, John Cena manage to remain on the side of the light for just a little while longer.

Not only did he win, he got Chicago to cheer him despite not liking him and announced he was taking a vacation. Will that stick you think? Here's hoping because it must not be easy being the face of the WWE over 300-plus days a year.

What lies ahead for Brock the beast now? With a loss like that, I fear many Superstars will pay dearly in coming weeks. His being away from the ring for years has not diminished his impressive power and presence. He proved he is still a machine, it took a chain to the head to stop him...yikes!

There was pain, it was lovely.

Winner of the match: John Cena by pinfall.

Oh What a Night!

I believe Chicago to be one of the most profitable cities to host a WWE pay-per-view. It really brought some extra oomph to the show.

The card was packed with goodies and the results were very satisfying. 

Tomorrow, the after shocks of this event will be felt. There was a new Intercontinental and Divas Champion plus John Cena won against Brock Lesnar and announced his imminent departure (on vacation) this is huge news!

What can we expect to see in Dayton, Ohio at 9 p.m. ET Monday? Will the general manager pull out a few more surprises? Will Kharma make her return as the rumors go?

All I want is for WWE to continue producing good shows like tonight's Extreme Rules. It was a success and the fun has only just begun.

Get ready to go Over The Limit soon.